Suggestions wanted front/rear rest

[ThatsNice]

Im not what you call a professional but also dont want to start off with a handicap. Plan on shooting some local club BR competitions. Just a bunch of locals like 10-15 of us but you know, it is a competition. .22lr. Mostly at 50yd, but a couple at 100 and 200 yds. I have caldwal sandbag (front/rear) already, are they good enough? Or would that put me at a huge disadvantage? I do have access to a Vanguard Porta Aim for front rest. Most everyone else at these matches have expensive multi adjustable front rests. Also what is up with that strange tape I see on some of thier rests? Is that something that I would benefit from?

 

[doclu60]

I would strongly suggest upgrading your setup. I looked up the rest you mentioned and it's not much better than shooting off a front sandbag, but it would be a start. With the number of shooters you mention and most of them shooting adjustable front rests, it would be hard to believe they are all beginners to benchrest. There are very good reasons why you see the equipment your fellow competitors are using. I would also upgrade the rear bag. I've had Caldwell front and rear bags many years ago, they probably won't cut the mustard. Being newer to the group, borrow the rest and go shoot. Talk to the other competitors about their equipment. A lot of guys have older stuff they moved up from that may be a huge upgrade for you that you could buy.

While forums are good for preliminary info, the best place for new guys to learn is at the range during matches, be they sanctioned or not. Hands on experience and seeing the equipment used with an explanation from the owner is much better than trying to explain the nuances of things typing on a forum.

Scott

 

[ThatsNice]

I would strongly suggest upgrading your setup. I looked up the rest you mentioned and it's not much better than shooting off a front sandbag, but it would be a start. With the number of shooters you mention and most of them shooting adjustable front rests, it would be hard to believe they are all beginners to benchrest. There are very good reasons why you see the equipment your fellow competitors are using. I would also upgrade the rear bag. I've had Caldwell front and rear bags many years ago, they probably won't cut the mustard. Being newer to the group, borrow the rest and go shoot. Talk to the other competitors about their equipment. A lot of guys have older stuff they moved up from that may be a huge upgrade for you that you could buy.

While forums are good for preliminary info, the best place for new guys to learn is at the range during matches, be they sanctioned or not. Hands on experience and seeing the equipment used with an explanation from the owner is much better than trying to explain the nuances of things typing on a forum.

Scott

Thanks I appreciate your feedback. I was trolling eBay and found some used stuff but they are asking premium pricing. Everyone thinks thier used gear is gold.... Ugh. Im thinking of getting the Rock Jr. caldwell front rest. It has some adjustments .

 

[Fuj]

Will you be shooting group or score targets. and what 22LR rifle will you be using ??
On a very tight budget, the Rock Jr. will be fine to get your feet wet. The most
important part is to have the bags fit your current rifle to help minimize movement
Don't worry about slick tapes. That only comes after you decide to commit your
wallet. A fairly decent scope and trigger will go along way. Some people call it
a rabbit hole with no bottom. Like you mentioned, It's a BR club. Get to those
matches and watch, look, and learn. Is there's a break down in classes like factory
or custom ??

 

[ThatsNice]

Will you be shooting group or score targets. and what 22LR rifle will you be using ??
On a very tight budget, the Rock Jr. will be fine to get your feet wet. The most
important part is to have the bags fit your current rifle to help minimize movement
Don't worry about slick tapes. That only comes after you decide to commit your
wallet. A fairly decent scope and trigger will go along way. Some people call it
a rabbit hole with no bottom. Like you mentioned, It's a BR club. Get to those
matches and watch, look, and learn. Is there's a break down in classes like factory
or custom ??

score targets UBS or IBS I forgot exactly which one. CZ 457 MTR just purchased. No class just limited to 22lr, and no sleds. Can be supported by 1 or 2 points, which can be bags, bipods/monopod, front rest with rear bag/monopod etc. thanks ya Ill keep learning as I go!

 

[ThatsNice]

Update I just got Caldwell Rock BR (supposedly on sale) and set everything up in my basement to sort out adjustments. It looks like on thier web site they launched a Rock BR Gen2 so I guess that's why they went on sale on Amazon. I have a medium size universal caldwell rear bag. Hope to get to the range and shake it all out over the next few days. Thanks all for your guidance and feedback.

 

[doclu60]

Update I just got Caldwell Rock BR (supposedly on sale) and set everything up in my basement to sort out adjustments. It looks like on thier web site they launched a Rock BR Gen2 so I guess that's why they went on sale on Amazon. I have a medium size universal caldwell rear bag. Hope to get to the range and shake it all out over the next few days. Thanks all for your guidance and feedback.

Well, that's a good low budget start and a better option than the rest you were going to borrow. Pretty much exactly what I started with many years ago. It's difficult to drop a large investment in equipment on something new when trying to get one's feet wet. There are several threads on RFC that address simple mods to Rock BR rests that improve function. Maybe worth a look after you get acclimated with the new setup. I didn't lose much when I sold mine after upgrading either.

Glad you're moving ahead! RFBR is fun and challenging, whether sanctioned or not. Keeps us posted on your journey.

Scott

 

[ThatsNice]

Update. Did a few local competitions 50yd BR with IBR target and scores dramatically improved. Not sure if it was due to the rifle, ammo or Rock BR but had a blast. Typically scored in 170-180. I scored between 220-235 each week. Now it's just a local club with 15 or so of us so not a national championship but I was glad that I had remarkable improvement. Also stretched it out to 200 yd with some good success on steel of various sizes.